The boys are turning six today. A party was held. Many people came, and my brothers got a plethora of toys, treats, and books. Mama spent the day resting, as was tradition here. Both children and mothers were honored on birthdays. The children got a party and gifts, while the mother spent the day relaxing. Guests would bring her food and drink, and help out with household chores. In cases where the birth mother wasn't in the child's life, another adult guardian would be given a relaxing day. 

The magic tutoring started nine days after the party. Formal schooling will stay when they turn seven. For commoners like us, it's mandatory to attend school from ages seven to thirteen. All towns have at least one small school building. The school day lasts just a few hours, four days a week. All children are taught to read and write. They also learn some basic math, geography, and an overview of our country's history. To learn anything beyond that, a child would have to head for an academy, all of which are located in major cities. 

Local schools don't teach magic, so a private tutor is typically required. Most magic experts will seek prestigious positions, at major academies, large temples, or at the palace. However, in order to land such a position, one must spend several years tutoring commoners in smaller towns. Only when they taught a certain number of students, can they apply for their desired position. So tutors are easy to come by for the common folk. Plus, magic control was important for safety reasons. An out-of-control mage could bring about a lot of destruction.

Magic control lessons began on a bright sunny day. Mama , Marden, Deren, Callan, and I gathered behind our house. There was a small backyard there, with a vegetable garden growing by the house. The boys sat on the grass, while Papa sat with me on a stump. Mama remained inside to manage the shop. Mama had found a suitable tutor a few days ago, and my brothers were eager to meet him. The tutor came right on time, walking to the backyard from the side of the house. He was tall and slender, with long honey-brown hair pulled back into a low ponytail. He had light green eyes, looking out through large, round glasses. 

"Hello children. My name is Milo Kyte. It's very nice to meet you."

"Hi, Mr. Kyte!" My brothers exclaimed in unison. 

The tutor gave a somewhat sad smile. "Kids, have you ever heard of the term 'ettel'?"

"Uh, maybe?" Marden answered. Deren and Callan mumbled uncertainty.

"Ya!" I responded. This wasn't news to me. A palace guard and a ship's captain from Aryana, Protector of Acandar were both ettels. 

Milo Kyte smiled at my response. "An ettels is a person who doesn't feel like a man or a woman. I am an ettel."

"Then what should we call you?" Deren piped up. 

"Tutor Kyte will do nicely. And I use ka/ kas pronouns" Kyte responded. I made a mental note to use those pronouns from now on. 

"Okay!" Exclaimed all three boys. 

Their quick acceptance made me smile. Many different types  of people were accepted by society, without question. However, nobles had stricter rules when it came to marriage and gender identity. Carrying on the family line was their priority, and they'd do whatever it took for it to continue on. 

"How about with all of you?" Tutor Kyte asked. "What are your names, and how do you identify?"

My brothers introduced themselves, each declaring himself to be a boy. Papa also gave his name, and stated that he identified as a man. "And boys, you do know about ettels, remember cousin Kisha?" 

"Oh yeah, that's right. I remember now." Callan replied. Deren and Marden claimed to remember too.

Papa then introduced me. "This little one is Pyra. She hasn't told us how she identifies yet. We've been calling her a girl, but she might correct us one of these days!" I was happy to know my family would accept me no matter what, all though I was fairly certain I was indeed a girl. 

With introductions and explanations out of the way, training began. 

"The first thing you must learn to do is meditate." Tutor Kyte instructed. 

"What's that?" Callan asked.

"Meditation is a tool we use to help us relax and regulate our emotions. You can sit or lay down. Take deep breaths, and try to calm your mind. Let your thoughts come in and out with your breathing." Tutor Kyte explained. 

"How's this gonna help us do magic?" Marden wanted to know. I was also curious, as this had never been mentioned in the novel.

"Magic is closely tied to emotion. In order to safely practice magic, you must be able to manage your emotions. If you experience a strong negative emotion, recognize it and accept it. Don't let it overwhelm you." Tutor Kyte elaborated. 

"How are we supposed to do that?" Callan questioned. 

"We will start by meditating. I'm also going to have you practice stating how you're feeling. I also want you all to start keeping a journal. Take note of what causes you to have a strong emotional reaction. Remember those causes, and going forward be prepared to manage your reaction. Keep in mind that you control your emotions, they don't control you." Kyte answered.

"I'm not sure I understand...." Deren admitted. 

"That's alright. It will make more sense with practice." The tutor reassured Deren with a smile. 

Tutor Kyte came by once a week, helping the boys learn emotional regulation. I tried to sit in when I could. Deren got the hang of meditating after just a few sessions, but it took Callan and Marden a little longer. Once they all got the hang of it, they moved on to learning to feel the flow of magic, and how to tap into it. Deren and Marden were soon producing sparks at will. Callan discovered he had water magic, like our father. I followed along when I could, but had no luck producing any magic. 

The year seemed to fly by. My brothers began basic schooling, in addition to magic tutoring. My second birthday rolled around, and with it an enjoyable party. It gave me the chance to meet other children my age. I was also gifted a set of paints, which I gleefully seared all over some paper, as well on my dad's back. The festivities wore me out and I went to bed early that night. In spite of my exhaustion, sleep eluded me. So I practiced the breathing exercises Tutor Kyte taught my brothers. As I began to relax, I heard a low rumble of thunder. I fell asleep, soothed by the sounds of the approaching storm.